Navigating Biden's Age Factor in the Political Arena

Even though presidents cannot turn back time, Joe Biden, at 81 years old, is limited in what he can do to address his age as a potential issue in the upcoming general election. However, there are signs that he is in better health on this matter compared to just a week ago. This is not only because he surpassed the required number of convention delegates to secure the 2024 Democratic nomination on Tuesday.

The president's recent State of the Union address has helped to shift the political conversation in a positive direction and continues to have a lasting impact. In his speech, Biden appeared confident and in control, presenting a strong and commanding presence that contradicted any previous perceptions of him as a confused or out-of-touch leader. The address provided a stark contrast to past incidents where he mistakenly referenced conversations with deceased European leaders and mixed up countries like Mexico and Egypt during a press conference focused on addressing age-related concerns.

Department of Justice Special Counsel Robert Hur testifies before the House Judiciary Committee about his report on President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents on Capitol Hill March 12, 2024. (Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images)

Special Counsel Robert Hur from the Department of Justice appeared before the House Judiciary Committee on March 12, 2024. He discussed his report on how President Joe Biden managed classified documents on Capitol Hill. The hearing was documented by Francis Chung from POLITICO via AP Images.

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Takeaways from Robert Hur’s testimony on Biden’s mishandling of classified documents

Special counsel Robert Hur's report caused a stir by clearing Biden of criminal charges for mishandling classified documents during his time as vice president. However, the report also described Biden as an elderly man with a poor memory, sparking controversy. Some questioned if Biden should step aside for a younger Democrat to take on Donald Trump in the upcoming election.

During a heated moment, Biden expressed outrage at Hur's portrayal of his difficulty in remembering the timing of his son Beau's death. Biden exclaimed, "How dare he bring that up?" emphasizing his frustration with the situation.

The interview now seems different from what Hur, Biden, Republican and Democratic operatives, and the media have portrayed.

The 258-page transcript from Tuesday reveals moments where Biden appeared flustered and struggled to recall dates. However, the overall conversation does not provide evidence of advanced cognitive decline as claimed by Republicans. Additionally, the transcript disproves Democrats' accusations that Hur, a former US attorney appointed by Trump in Maryland, was biased against the president.

A goldmine for those interested in Biden and history

During the interview, Biden talks extensively and with ease, remembering intricate details about his time as vice president, his family, and stories. He also goes off topic to talk about his skill as a eulogist, praises Delaware, and appears to be promoting his administration's foreign policy to Hur.

While it may be a disappointment for Republicans looking for a smoking gun, the transcript will be a goldmine for future historians.

President Joe Biden and Special Counsel Robert Hur.

President Joe Biden and Special Counsel Robert Hur.

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READ: Transcript of President Joe Biden’s interview with special counsel Robert Hur

Hur's inquiries about document storage reveal the president's helpful nature, often resembling a seasoned politician who can filibuster with the best of them. He takes pride in his family, home, and adores his wife, First Lady Jill Biden. He hopes Hur didn't stumble upon any "risqué" photos of her. The president delves into detailed discussions about his cabinets and officer furniture, even claiming to be an amateur architect. Conversations about Beau's death from brain cancer are heart-wrenching, mixed with moments of pure comedy - like Biden bragging about his bow and arrow skills in Mongolia and poking fun at the country's prime minister.

Hur's attempt to avoid mentioning Scranton at the beginning may not have been intentional humor, but for those familiar with Biden's fondness for his upbringing as a scrappy kid in the blue-collar Pennsylvania city, it was hard not to let out a chuckle.

Despite all the distractions, the interview transcript does not provide much evidence that Biden is unfit or unable to serve as President, which was a major focus of Trump's aggressive election campaign.

Republicans were unsuccessful in getting Hur to discuss the issue of Biden's age.

Hur stood his ground during a highly politicized House hearing on Tuesday. He firmly rejected Republican claims that Biden's mental abilities are declining. When Wisconsin Rep. Scott Fitzgerald asked if the president was senile based on his report, Hur simply replied, "I did not. That conclusion is not in my report."

Interestingly, the GOP interrogators seemed more focused on comparing the consequences for Biden and Trump regarding holding classified documents. Biden was not charged, while Trump faced federal charges brought by a different special counsel for hoarding documents at Mar-a-Lago. This shift in focus may indicate that attacking Biden's age is losing its effectiveness for now.

After Thursday's State of the Union address, there was confusion in GOP messaging. Initially, Republicans criticized Biden for appearing old and slow. However, they later complained that he was too energetic and loud.

If the televised address had been a complete disaster, with Biden further showcasing what Alabama Sen. Katie Britt referred to as a "dithering and diminished" figure in her mocked GOP response, this week could have been tough for Biden. It would have fueled GOP attacks and supported Hur's assessment of his memory. Fortunately, Biden's performance last week, followed by successful campaign events in swing states this week, has contradicted the narrative of decline pushed by conservative media with their compilation of Biden's mistakes.

One good week does not make a campaign.

Trump, aged 77, is not ready to let go of the age issue. He recently shared a video of Biden stumbling and falling off his bike, trying to emphasize his rival's age. Despite Biden's recent success, Trump's focus on his age shows that a successful week is not enough to change the reality of the upcoming eight months. Any display of weakness during the campaign could raise concerns about Biden's ability to not only lead but also defeat Trump in swing states where he is currently struggling.

Biden has acknowledged that his age will continue to be a vulnerability. In a recent ad, he mentioned, “I’m not a young guy, that’s no secret. But here’s the deal, I understand how to get things done for the American people.” Biden’s supporters feel there is a double standard on age, especially since Trump is not much younger. However, Trump's bold and aggressive demeanor tends to diminish this criticism, which the Biden camp acknowledges by implying that while the president is old, he is not a reckless threat to the rule of law and the Constitution like his predecessor.

Concerns about Biden's age are deeply ingrained outside the bubble of Washington politics and campaigns. Numerous polls indicate that a majority of Americans believe Biden is too old to lead. A survey by the New York Times/Siena College before the State of the Union address revealed that even many of those who voted for Biden in 2020 think he is too old to be effective. The issue of age has been a topic of discussion long before it became a significant campaign concern. The White House's assertion that the media has exaggerated these concerns downplays the genuine unease felt by many voters as they consider their options for the upcoming elections.

Biden's age is just one of the issues in the upcoming election. The president aims to shift the focus from his performance to rejecting Trump's bid for a second term based on revenge. Recent government data showing a slight increase in inflation highlights the president's vulnerability to economic factors beyond his control. As the world appears to align with Trump's doomsday narrative, Biden's campaign may face more challenges.

Despite these obstacles, Biden's campaign gained momentum after a successful State of the Union address. Following a smooth escape from Hur's inquiry, the president secured the nomination without serious competition.

"It's a moment where we can move forward," a campaign official shared with CNN's MJ Lee. "The transcript has been released, the hearing is over. Trump may still face challenges with the documents, but for us, it's pretty much settled."

However, Biden must maintain his strong performance for the next eight months during a tough campaign, facing off against a rival who is still a few years away from turning 80.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a nuanced perspective on the ongoing discussion surrounding President Biden's age as a potential issue in the upcoming general election. While acknowledging concerns expressed by some Americans, it highlights positive signs indicating Biden's improved health and recent successes, including a strong State of the Union address and the release of a Special Counsel report that did not find evidence of advanced cognitive decline.

Despite these positive developments, the article cautions that Biden's age remains a factor that could impact the election outcome. It notes that Trump continues to emphasize Biden's age in his campaign and that polls show a majority of Americans believe Biden is too old to lead. The article suggests that Biden must continue to perform well and maintain strong support in swing states to counter these concerns effectively. Overall, the article offers a balanced analysis of the complex issue of Biden's age and its potential impact on the election, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities facing the president in navigating this issue. and potential economic headwinds.